As we continue to grapple with the pandemic, we have been witnessing the outpouring of support in different forms by corporates and organisations, big and small. These have indeed been most helpful in reaching out to as many frontline workers – the medical fraternity, police personnel, sanitation workers, essential workers, the downtrodden – the poor, homeless and especially, the migrant workers who have been left displaced by this unexpected calamity. Let us not waver in our support, which is so crucial to those who desperately need it.
Zaggle
Amidst the current scenario, it is very important that we extend a hand of aid to the needy and help each other in the crisis situation. In the same line of thought, our client, Zaggle – a leading fintech player in the space of Financial Tech, HR Tech, and Bank Tech continues to take crucial steps to ease the pain and burden on people that the pandemic has brought.
Zaggle has adopted 14 villages in Telangana and is providing food essentials and groceries to them on a daily basis. They have got more agencies involved in this noble deed and have been doing this activity for the past three weeks.
These activities are 100 per cent funded by Raj N. Phani, Founder – Zaggle. Zaggle and a couple of other companies have launched the one lakh meals for the poor in Hyderabad, coordinating with Akshaya Patra.
As the company deals with a lot of Enterprise Clients, it is also helping them to reach out to needy organisations like Mumbai Police who constantly need PPE kits plus other sanitisation products.
It has been testing times for all of us, but Raj N Phani from Zaggle and Chanchal Rajora from eYantra have taken this opportunity to their bit for the community. Raj and Chanchal have been involved in the distribution of PPE kits to all those who are doing the most in these pandemic times – be it the vigilant police force or the assiduous healthcare workers. This time, Sri Talasani Srinivas Yadav, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Dairy Development Corp., and Cinematography joins their initiative in distributing 100 PPE kits and 500 sanitisers to the police force. Hopefully, the contribution makes way for a stronger and safer society for all of us.
Welspun One
In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, Welspun One has launched its humanitarian initiative to bridge the demand-supply gap for Personal Protection Gear (PPE) among the frontline logistics workers and will donate 100,000 masks to India’s warehousing and logistics community by end of May 2020.
Compliant with guidelines issued by the Indian government to help curtail the pandemic, the organisation aims to support over 25,000 workers in Bhiwandi and Bangalore by supplying them with disposable single-use masks that aid in preventing the spread of COVID-19. These masks have been specially produced with 98 per cent BFE (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency) in Welspun’s Advanced Textiles facility in Anjar, Gujarat.
This initiative also concentrates on equipping local communities’ such as Panchayat, police force, fire station employees, housekeeping staff and servicing truck drivers with similar personal protection masks to combat the virus. This is Welspun One’s heartfelt gesture to express gratitude and salute the spirit of all the front line workers in the logistics ecosystem, that’s enabling the flow of essentials in this crisis.
Speaking about this endeavour by Welspun One, BK Goenka, Chairman, Welspun Group, said “At Welspun, we’ve always believed in empowering communities, sharing a cherished bond with the communities we influence and have been at the forefront when it comes to supporting government initiatives. With our new venture Welspun One, we will continue following the Welspun principles and tradition of putting the community above everything else and contribute to the society at large.”
“The entire world is moving towards a new normal, and it is imperative for us to stand together and work towards the betterment of our communities at large. At Welspun One, we take our responsibilities as industry front-runners very seriously and wish to lead by example. We are in full support of our government’s relief efforts and are committed to protecting the health of workers and communities in the vicinity of our projects,” said Anshul Singhal, Managing Director, Welspun One Logistics Parks.
APM Terminals Pipavav
APM Terminals Pipavav has commenced training the women folks of surrounding villages in mask making with the help of Gopi Mahila Mandal. This initiative is to ensure washable cloth mask for all the adults and children in the villages which has a population of around 20,000. This will also help in generating employment to the villagers during the lockdown and thereafter.
The main objective of this initiative is to ensure that every adult and child in the villages, cultivate the habit of wearing a mask and other precautions to combat the pandemic. This locally made masks will be distributed among the residents and truckers in nearby villages like Rampara, Kumbhariya, Bherai, Shiyalbet, Kadiyali, Pipavav Dham etc.
The masks prepared by the women in Rajula, are being purchased and used by people of Rajula. The port aims to reach out to 50 villages by facilitating training on mask making so that villages are self-reliant with reference to masks which is a vital component for the prevention of COVID 19.
This initiative will also provide free of cost masks to approximately 3000 labourers from eighteen villages who are working in MNREGA [Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.] scheme at Rajula Block.
DP World
Global logistics company, DP World has distributed 20 metric ton of food grains in Chennai to 1500 families affected by ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The food grain distribution was conducted by DP World to support low-income group families living in and around its upcoming FTWZ project site. The handover was done in the presence of Balaraman, MLA, Ponneri constituency, Manikandan, Tahsildar, Ponneri and other key officers of local administration.
DP World is committed to supporting the local communities during these challenging times. It has partnered with Akshaya Patra and Goonj to provide cooked meals and other relief material to those who depend on daily wages or have lost their livelihoods during this time. The company is also distributing dry ration kits to the local communities around DP World’s port terminals in Cochin (Kerala), Nhava Sheva (Maharashtra), Mundra (Gujarat) and Chennai (Tamil Nadu).
Rizwan Soomar, CEO and MD, DP World Subcontinent, said “We have already initiated various programmes to support the less privileged section of our society during this hour of need. The nationwide lockdown has impacted many families and has left them stranded without food and other essentials. With the extension of the lockdown, their livelihood will continue to get affected. I hope this assistance provides a meaningful difference to some of the families. We look forward to more ways in which we can support the communities during these challenging times.”
Muthoot Finserve
Muthoot Finserve USA Inc., based out of New Jersey, is one of the group companies of The Muthoot Group. Muthoot Finserve has launched campaign to support PM- CARES Fund wherein NRIs who wish to support the Government of India’s crusade against the Covid-19 pandemic.
PM-CARES Fund accepts donations and contributions from individuals and organisations based in foreign countries. The RBI has permitted to route foreign inward remittances into the fund from NRIs through Exchange houses.
George Alexander Muthoot, Managing Director, The Muthoot Group said, “We are very delighted to help the Government combat this pandemic with all possible ways we can. In tune with the RBI guidelines, and to support the initiative of our Prime Minister, Muthoot Finserve USA Inc. through its 8000 locations across the world has launched a campaign who can contribute through donations.”
Those who desire to donate to PM-CARES Fund can now walk into one of their Office/Agent locations abroad with KYC documents and donate to the PM-CARES Fund. The company also provides facility to donate online through the Global Pay Money Transfer Service is also available (link http://www.muthootgroup.us/donate-pm-cares)
Lactalis India
Lactalis India, the India arm of Groupe Lactalis, world’s largest dairy group has pledged INR One Crore to India’s PM-CARES Fund as a gesture of solidarity to the country’s fight against the global pandemic. The amount is donated through the Lactalis India’s group of companies – Prabhat Dairy, Anik Dairy and Thirumala Milk.
In addition to the contribution made to the PM-CARES Fund, Lactalis India employees put together voluntary contributions that the company matched to contribute a total of INR 50 Lakh. This contribution will go to the State administrations in which Lactalis India is operating in, namely, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Speaking on the announcement, Rahul Kumar, MD, Lactalis India said, “Lactalis India stands in solidarity with the country in this fight against COVID-19. As essential services organizations, Prabhat, Anik and Thirumala and all their employees have been working relentlessly to ensure uninterrupted supply of milk and milk products across the country. We have increased our milk collection and continue to support our farmers through these trying times. As a responsible organization, Lactalis India has also maintained a consistent and timely payment to all farmer partners in all perimeters. We salute all the frontline workers and essential service providers who have been working tirelessly to keep the country moving forward.”
Aadhar Housing Finance
In response to the acute and growing needs of the nation created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the employees of Aadhar Housing Finance have contribute Rs 27.04 Lakhs to the PM-CARES Fund. Aadhar Housing Finance has also contributed Rs 22.95 Lakhs from their CSR fund along with undertaking a slew of initiatives to extend support to critical communities across India. They have also provided 27300 Masks and 7155 bottles of sanitisers which has benefitted frontline police staff, medical staff and migrant labourers.
Six boxes of gloves, 648 hand sanitisers and 360 kgs of food grains were donated to the police officials in Siliguri and Asansol.
20,000 masks and 80 bottles (500ml) along with 4 cans of sanitisers was provided to the Mumbai Police EOW (Economic Offences Wing). 10 cans of Hand sanitisers were also given to Haffkine Institute from Mumbai. Aadhar Housing Finance has also managed to provide food for 500 migrant labourers stranded due to the lockdown in Palghar district with the help of the local Tehsildar. 300 masks and 65 bottles (500 ml) of sanitisers were also provided to Mumbai Police Special Branch – CID.
Recognising the profound impact of this pandemic on the most vulnerable set of people, including daily wage workers, 3000 units of hand sanitisers and 3000 units of 3-layer face masks were distributed to the needy people through the NGO – Bhartiya Inclusive Development Foundation. Masks and sanitisers were also given to the Bangalore Police Force.
A total of 4000 masks and sanitisers were distributed to the police authorities at Dewas and Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh. 100 units each of face masks, gloves and hand sanitisers were contributed to the police force of Jabalpur. 400kgs of rice was also contributed to police officials in Ranchi. Aadhar Housing Finance also provided ration supplies to underprivileged children in Delhi and daily wage workers in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
On the contribution towards the company’s CSR initiative, Deo Shankar Tripathi, MD and CEO, Aadhar Housing Finance, said, “We realise the fact that support in any form will make a big difference. So, as part of our CSR activities, we have encouraged all the Aadharites to suggest us ways in which we can contribute towards those who need support and help in this need of the hour. Through our contribution, we want to convey a message to the society that we are grateful to all those who are committed to keeping us safe, sufficient and healthy in these trying times and their health and well-being is vital to our future.”
As a voluntary contribution, all Aadhar Housing Finance employees have pledged their one-day salary which sums up to approximate INR 27.04 Lakhs and have donated that towards PM-CARES Fund.
Rishi Anand, Chief Business Officer of Aadhar Housing Finance, said, “As an essential service provider, Aadhar Housing Finance is always standing strong with the Indian Police Force and the citizens of this country. Along with this, we are constantly taking initiatives to support our Government to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. All the employees are participating in these efforts whole-heartedly and are constantly coming up with new initiatives to help the COVID-19 warriors. The way India stood strong while following social distancing, I am sure the same sentiment will be displayed now towards combined efforts of social responsibility to bring the nation back to normalcy.”
Hrishikesh Jha, Chief People Officer of Aadhar Housing Finance, said, “Employees at Aadhar Housing Finance were very helpful and generous to help out the Indian Government during such trying times. It is good to see that all of our team members have come forward to help out the COVID-19 warriors. We are in this together and such display of unity towards social responsibility is what the country needs the most now.”
PepsiCo India
PepsiCo India, along with the global food and beverage company’s philanthropic arm, the PepsiCo Foundation, in partnership with Smile Foundation today flagged off a programme to provide 4.5 lakh meals to the underprivileged communities impacted by the coronavirus pandemic in Mumbai. The program was flagged off by Subhash Desai, Minister for Industries, Mining and Marathi Language, Govt. of Maharashtra with the support of the local administration.
This initiative is a part of PepsiCo’s #GiveMealsGiveHope global programme under which PepsiCo has committed to distributing over 10 million meals to communities most impacted by COVID-19 Outbreak. These meals are being distributed in partnership with Smile Foundation, Akshaya Patra Foundation & CII Foundation across India.
Subhash Desai, Minister for Industries, Mining and Marathi Language, Govt. Of Maharashtra, said, “We greatly appreciate PepsiCo India’s willingness to feed the vulnerable people in Mumbai who have been badly affected by the coronavirus. The pandemic has impacted livelihoods of marginalized communities and therefore initiatives such as these go a long way in helping these communities. We sincerely appeal to all other corporates and privileged citizens to come forward to help in these unprecedented times.”
Ahmed ElSheikh, President, PepsiCo India, said, “Providing meals to communities impacted by the pandemic is the most critical requirement. PepsiCo India would like to thank all the stakeholders for supporting our #GiveMealsGiveHope global program. The initiative has enabled us to reach out to underserved families and communities within Mumbai. We are in this together and will continue to do our best to serve the Nation in these challenging times.”
Santanu Mishra, Executive Trustee and Co-founder, Smile Foundation, said, “We are happy to partner with PepsiCo India for a meal distribution programme in Mumbai. Through this initiative, we will be distributing meals to people who are most affected due to COVID-19. We appreciate PepsiCo India partnership with Smile Foundation during these testing times, making relief work possible to some of the most vulnerable sections of the society not only in distressed urban pockets but also in the remotest corners of the country.”
ICICI Bank
ICICI Bank stands in solidarity with the Government of Maharashtra by providing protective equipment to the state government, hospitals and police forces for their tireless efforts to safeguard citizens of the state in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.
The Bank is working actively with the authorities on this front. The Bank has donated protective equipment like 85,150 three-ply masks, one lakh reusable and washable cotton masks, 12,670 N95 masks, over 22,300 litres of hand sanitiser, over 4,500 PPE suits, 55,000 pieces of gloves to the authorities in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nagpur among others. The Bank has also provided 10 thermal scanners and 10 non-invasive category ventilators to various hospitals. This initiative is part of the Bank’s nation-wide drive of contributing various protective gears to aid the front-liners to combat the pandemic.
Speaking on the initiative, Saurabh Singh, Head-Government Banking, ICICI Bank said, “ICICI Group has a legacy of supporting the development of the nation as well as providing support in times of natural calamities and disasters. Taking this legacy forward, we are standing in solidarity with various state governments, police departments and health professionals in their tireless efforts to treat and safeguard citizens of the country in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. Our support to the various authorities in Maharashtra is part of these activities.
The doctors treating the COVID-19 suspects/patients and the police and paramilitary forces managing the orderly implementation of the lockdown are at the frontline of this combat. We have focused our efforts to reach out to the government hospitals and the forces in the state. Despite supply chain challenges, we are providing them supplies in the form of sanitisers, surgical masks, N95 masks, gloves, personal protection equipment, etc. We are also providing equipment like thermal scanners and non-invasive category ventilators. “
The Bank is facilitating Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) in the digital collection of donations for COVID19 Relief Fund and also have donated an amount of Rs 15 lakh to PMC for the noble cause. Additionally, the Bank deployed a mobile ATM van in Mumbai to enable residents, who are advised to stay home, to withdraw cash conveniently and safely. The mobile ATM can cover areas like Worli Naka, Jijamata Nagar, BPT Colony, near Sea Link, Lal Maidan among others.
MathWorks
MathWorks, the Natick-based developer of software for scientists and engineers, today announced that it has donated $1 million to The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Combating COVID-19 Fund, a $250 million initiative to work on COVID-19 globally. The fund supports leading scientific organisations to develop the most promising diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines to stop the spread of the virus and help speed people who are sick back to health. In addition, the fund is focused on protecting some of the most vulnerable people living in Africa and South Asia from the immediate impact of COVID-19, while helping their countries prepare for future outbreaks.
MathWorks, a global company with 33 offices around the world and customers in more than 180 countries, pursues a social mission that actively supports communities through advancing STEM education, fostering staff volunteerism, building environmental sustainability and aiding global relief efforts.
“MathWorks wanted to find an organization where we could make a meaningful contribution to scientific and engineering efforts to combat COVID-19,” said Jack Little, CEO of MathWorks. “Over the last five years, Bill Gates has become a foremost expert on pandemics and we’re proud to support the scientifically-driven root cause solutions his Foundation is pursuing to fight COVID-19 around the world.”
In addition to the Gates Foundation donation, MathWorks recently assisted other global and local organizations in their efforts to combat the pandemic. This included:
- Directing a $1 million gift to CARE for that organisation to use as necessary as it works to protect vulnerable people all over the world from the COVID-19 outbreak. CARE is providing hygiene kits, hand-washing stations and clean water to help stop the spread of disease – particularly in refugee and displaced person camps where social distancing is impossible.
- Providing $285,000 in grants to 57 non-profit organisations within the MetroWest region of Boston. Each organisation received $5,000 to help them address any pressing needs they themselves identify, including family support, food insecurity and youth development.
- Contributing $140,000 through staff donations and company matching to support worldwide COVID-19 relief efforts through Global Giving.